Experience ‘Authentically versus …’: A celebration of queer voices

On Oct. 18-20, VOICES and The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) will present a three-day, multi-disciplinary theater project, “Authentically versus…”

Collaboratively created by nine local queer artists and allies, it centers on the pain and gain of learning to be their most authentic selves. Through a full spectrum of artistic expression — music, storytelling, movement, and more — the show widens our understanding of who the LGBTQIA+ community is and how it can grow.

“Queer Voices and Nuestras Voces have been important annual components of TACAW’s programming since we opened,” said Kendall Smith, TACAW’s director of programming. “We appreciate Voices’ important work and are eager to provide the stage and technical expertise to elevate its mission.”

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The 2024 Queer VOICES Theater Project is directed by Micha Schoepe, who first participated in VOICES as an ensemble member in the 2022 Queer VOICES Theater Project, “A Green Bird On Orange Trees.”

Schoepe, originally from Germany, came to VOICES with an extensive background in musical theatre performance. He has since participated in the Sage VOICES Theater Project and Nuestras VOCES, Teatro En Español as stage manager.

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“Stepping into the role of director feels special and daunting. This is devised theatre and there is only so much you can prepare for,” he said in a prepared statement. “What’s clear to me already is that this is a really special group. The love and connection among the cast is simply heart-opening, and the stories we’re telling are all about identity, family, and self-love. I honestly believe this show is going to touch everyone who sees it.”

Joining him in the ensemble are Molly DeMarr, Dave Emig, Myki AnnStella Jones, Anisa Lavender, Kevin McManamon, Blake Novy, Valerie Sullan, Delaney Meyers, and Olivia Pevec.

Events like this are especially important for young members of the queer and LGBTQIA+ people in the valley, where it can be hard to figure out where to connect with their peers. Unlike more metropolitan areas, there are not many bars, clubs, or events that are welcoming spaces.

So, how does the community come together to combat this issue if not through the arts?

“The arts are an incredibly effective path to building community understanding and addressing our society’s growing need for empathy,” Smith explained.

For McMananon, who serves as the executive director of AspenOUT, joining the ensemble of his peers to tell their stories publicly was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“I’m not a performer. I don’t come from that background. I’m not a theater gay. I’m a design gay,” he said. “There is one person in our ensemble who has a theater background, but the rest of us are just ordinary Q+ community members. Except we’re not ordinary; we all have an amazing story to tell. This is really good for the community and the valley. It’s really heartfelt and impactful, as far as making more people see the Q+ community.”

Each performance of “Authentically versus …” will be followed by a special event to encourage further connection within the community of storytellers and audience members. An Artist Talkback, moderated by Hattison Rensberry, will follow the show on Friday, Oct. 18. AspenOUT hosts a Super Gay Dance Party with DJ John Felix for all ticket holders on Saturday, Oct. 19. The Two Rivers Unitarian Universalists host a meet and greet UUUnicorn Coffee hour on Sunday, Oct. 20.

Tickets are $25, with pay-what-you-can options available. Performances on Oct. 18 and 19 begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors TACAW opening at 6:30 p.m. The matinée performance on Oct. 20 begins at 2 p.m. with the doors to TACAW opening at 1 p.m.

To learn more about the performances, ensemble members, additional events, or to purchase tickets, visit voicesrfv.org. *Habrá interpretación en vivo del inglés al español por parte de Convey Language Solutions.

Sarah Girgis is the Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Aspen Times. She can be reached at 970-429-9151 or sgirgis@aspentimes.com.